Reducing the potential magnitude of the impact of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at Department of Defense (DoD) installations will require a sustained effort to identify the best technologies to characterize, treat, and manage these sites. SERDP and ESTCP projects improve the current understanding of PFAS toxicity and behavior in the environment, as well as sampling and analysis of PFAS, to conduct efficient site investigations. We have funded hundreds of projects that have quickly and significantly advanced our understanding and management of PFAS in the environment by evaluating a range of potential treatment technologies, ecotoxicological effects, and improved site characterization. Our programs also fund the development and demonstration of PFAS-free firefighting formulations, which is covered under our Chemicals and Materials focus area. An overview of all PFAS investments is shown below.
Improved understanding in characterizing and modelling the nature of sources (and associated plumes) will lead to more targeted remediation strategies for sites posing the greatest risk. Several projects have been initiated to better understand the occurrence, fate and transport of PFAS in the environment.
SERDP and ESTCP fund the development and demonstration of PFAS treatment technologies that include a wide variety of different processes and generally fall into the following categories: thermal treatment, treatment of investigation derived waste (IDW), biodegradation, in situ groundwater treatment, development of new sorbents, above-ground treatment, and the impact of co-occurring chemicals.
SERDP and ESTCP are focused on improving sampling and analysis for PFAS in environmental matrices. Significant efforts are underway to develop passive sampling methodologies, improve total organic fluorine (TOF), and develop a forensics approach to PFAS in the environment.
SERDP and ESTCP efforts to close knowledge gaps in ecotoxicity and ecological risk will aid in the development of appropriate site-specific risk assessments and help in decision-making related to mitigation of exposures and/or future environmental cleanup. Current projects are addressing impacts of PFAS to several species, including but not limited to avian, mammalian, and reptilian species.
| Treatment | Ecotoxicity | Fate, Transport and Characterization | Analytical and Sampling Methods | PFAS-Free AFFF | Technology Transition |
